UPDATE: The Eagles issued a statement denying an Associated Press report that the team was strongly considering cutting Michael Vick.

The statement was the first official one the team has made since the day after a man was shot outside a Virginia Beach nightclub that was hosting Vick's birthday party.

"Under normal circumstances, we would not issue a public statement regarding a matter still under investigation," the statement read. "However, due to the intense speculation that exists, we believe it is important to make a statement this afternoon regarding Michael Vick.

"Following the incident that occurred in Virginia on the morning of June 25, Michael and his representatives promptly contacted law enforcement agencies, the Philadelphia Eagles and the National Football League. The Eagles were provided with very detailed information during that discussion as to what took place at the event. Those details have not changed in any way over the course of the last week. Our investigation to this point has confirmed and has been consistent with the information that was originally communicated to us.

"Furthermore, any report or speculation that suggests the Eagles are considering releasing Vick are not true. We will continue to gather information and monitor the situation and we will not have any further comment until that process is complete."

Poll

Should the Eagles release Michael Vick?

The AP cited a source "with knowledge of the Eagles thinking" in reporting that the team would release its backup quarterback no matter what Virginia Beach police had concluded upon its investigation of a shooting that occurred outside a nightclub that was hosting Vick's birthday party.

Virginia Beach authorities have yet to name a suspect or make an arrest in the shooting that maimed a codefendant in Vick's dogfighting case. Vick has denied having any involvement in the shooting.

The Eagles have said that they would not comment on the incident until they have finished their own fact gathering. Eagles coach Andy Reid, in Afghanistan on a USO tour, told The Inquirer on Friday that the Eagles have yet to make a final decision, although team sources said on Thursday that the Eagles were standing by Vick unless further information linked the 30-year old to the crime.